Mathematical analysis of potential losses in a thick porous metal-hydride electrode during a discontinuous discharge

We consider a thick porous metal-hydride electrode in a temporarily interrupted discharge. During a break the hydrogen and electrolyte concentrations tend to level steady states, which leads to a recovery phenomenon seen in the decrease in potential loss in the electrode when the discharge is restarted. A mathematical model is used in studying the electrochemical system. The potential loss is expressed as a sum of potential losses due to various sources, and spatial averaging is used in analyzing the individual losses as well as the reaction conditions. Furthermore, a simple model is developed for describing the behavior of the hydrogen concentration during a break.